A Reading bus driver who leapt into action after a tree crushed a car during a serious thunderstorm has been rewarded for his dedication.

Ted McDonnell, 58, was soaked to the bone after he stopped to help a lone police officer near The Rifle Volunteer pub in Reading Road in Wokingham when the tree came down on top of the car trapping people inside.

Three women were trying to force the doors of the car open to get the driver and passengers out as Mr McDonnell's bus approached the scene.

Read More

In howling wind and rain - and with no coat - Mr McDonnell directed traffic away from the area for 20 minutes at the request of the police officer, while fire crews worked to remove the tree which was blocking the road.

The people in the car were unhurt during the incident which happened when thunderstorms battered the area in September, and the mother of one passenger later said they “had angels watching over them”.

Mr McDonnell, of Caversham, has worked for Reading Buses for 36 years and has been awarded one of Reading Buses Star of the Month awards for his efforts.

Reading Buses HR Director Caroline Anscombe said: “Ted is a credit to our driving team every day, but on this particular day he acted way beyond what we would ask a driver to do and then continued without asking for credit or applause.

“Ted showed the company values of being customer focused, doing the right thing, staying safe and healthy and being caring – a great set of values to show and a great example to all.”